Grob G120TP basic trainer aircraft (photo : Grob)Grob Aircraft mounted a major push for its G120TP basic trainer at this year's Avalon air show, with its stand including a simulator for the type, as it eyes an upcoming requirement to replace the Royal Australian Air Force's fleet of 63 Pilatus PC-9/9As.Andre Hiebeler, chief executive of Grob Aircraft, says the G120TP can "eat into" up to 60-70% of the syllabus provided by higher-end tandem-seat turboprop aircraft such as the Pilatus PC-21, which is also likely to compete for the Australian deal.

Canberra's requirement is designated AIR 5428, and calls for a complete training solution, including simulators and aircraft. Grob envisages the RAAF using the G120TP in conjunction with a more advanced basic trainer type.Hiebeler notes that only 45% of pilots trained by the Australian military end up in the air force. Of these, only a small portion transition to fighters such as the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet or F/A-18F Super Hornet. The majority become transport aircraft or helicopter pilots, making the G120TP, with its side-by-side configuration, a suitable training platform.Hiebeler claims the G120TP's operating costs are far below those of higher-powered basic trainers. The aircraft has maximum continuous power of 380shp (283kW), which is considerably below that of rival types.A request for proposals for the AIR 5428 requirement has yet to be issued, but Grob believes it could come by the end of 2013.The RAAF's current PC-9s were delivered between 1987 and 1992, as recorded by Flightglobal's MiliCAS database.(FlightGlobal)

#Installation and introduction into service:-integration and testing of the complete UWISR solution-NZDF operator and technician training on the operation and maintenance of both the airborne and ground systems-assistance with certification, testing, and Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) of the new ground and airborne systems.

#Provision of ongoing industry support to maintain the UWISR capability at a contemporary standard through-life.Respondents may choose to provide information that covers all aspects of this RFI or provide information that focuses on defined topic areas only.

Respondent information will be used to assist Defence in the development of a project Business Case. The Business Case will detail potential solution options for New Zealand Government approval. Defence will assume that respondents who provide information in relation to this RFI are also interested in participating in a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a Request for Tender (RFT), should the Project progress and such a document be issued. For the avoidance of doubt, respondents acknowledge that providing information in relation to this RFI does not in any way constitute an offer by Defence to the respondent to participate in, or be involved in any subsequently issued RFP or RFT.(RNZDF)

27 Februari 2013

BTR-3U of the Myanmar Army (photo : Myanmar Army Corps)TSAMTO - The Myanmar Government has allocated for defense in fiscal year 2013-2014 20.8% of the national budget, or about $ 2 billion, according to "Jane's Defence Weekly," referring to the local sources.The draft defense budget proposed by the government on February 19, will come into force on April 1. According to experts, the share devoted to the military, reduced compared with appropriations for FY 2012-2013However, military expenditure for the state budget does not include funds received by the enterprises of the military, which is distributed in accordance with the Law on Special Funds.Law on Special Funds was adopted in March 2011 and allows the armed forces to use the additional funds without parliamentary oversight.

Type 59D MBT of the Myanmar Army (photo : Myanmar Army Corps)Financing of special funds, is likely to increase as through proceeds from the exploitation of mineral deposits, primarily natural gas.Due to the growth of foreign investment in the gas sector, the International Monetary Fund expects the gross domestic product of Myanmar from 59 billion dollars in 2013 to 77 billion in 2017, with an annual growth rate of about 7% (Myanmar has developed several large gas fields) .It should be noted that the sanctions imposed on Myanmar by Western countries, led to the fact that the main suppliers of arms to the market are China and Russia. In 2009, Myanmar ordered 20 MiG-29 in Russia and 60 SS K-8 "Karakorum" in China.(ArmsTrade)

Orion's sophisticated surveillance equipment on the AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft (photo : stampboards)Melbourne, Australia - (NYSE: CAE; TSX: CAE) - Today at the Avalon Australian International Air Show, CAE announced it has recently been awarded a contract from the Commonwealth of Australia to provide maintenance and engineering support services for the Royal Australian Air Force's AP-3C Advanced Flight Simulator (AFS).Following a competitive tender, CAE Australia was selected to provide the on-site maintenance and support services for the AP-3C AFS, which is located at RAAF Base Edinburgh in Adelaide, South Australia and used to train RAAF aircrews. In addition, CAE expects to provide a range of simulator upgrades, including a comprehensive upgrade of the visual environment."CAE Australia is an Authorised Engineering Organisation (AEO) and already performs a range of service, support and engineering upgrades on in-service simulators for the Australian Army, Navy and Air Force, including the RAAF's AP-3C Operational Mission Simulator used for mission crew training," said Peter Redman, Managing Director of CAE Australia Pty Ltd. "Though the AP-3C flight simulator was not manufactured by CAE, we have a wealth of experience on this platform and were able to offer the Commonwealth low-risk upgrade solutions and common engineering support services across platforms, which will help reduce costs."CAE Australia currently provides turnkey training support services for the Australian Defence Force's S-70B Seahawk simulator at HMAS Albatross, Nowra; the S-70A Black Hawk simulator at Army Airfield Oakey; the C-130J simulator at RAAF Base Richmond; the KC-30A simulator at RAAF Base Amberley; and will deliver the support services for the MRH90 training systems when delivered. CAE has delivered or is currently developing P-3C training systems for the United States Navy, Canadian Forces, German Navy, Taiwan Navy and other military customers globally.(CAE)

26 Februari 2013

Beechcraft King Air 200 cockpit (photo : Altaero)Melbourne, Australia - (NYSE: CAE; TSX: CAE) - Today at the Avalon Australian International Air Show, CAE announced it has signed a contract to provide the Royal New Zealand Air Force with a Beechcraft King Air 200 ProLine 21 CAE SimfinityTM Virtual Simulator (VSIM) classroom and B200 Computer-Based Training (CBT) in support of the Interim Advanced Pilot Training Capability (IPTC) project.Under terms of a five-year lease that includes an additional five-year option, CAE will install and support the CAE Simfinity VSIM classroom for the Beechcraft King Air 200 at RNZAF Base Ohakea."The simulation services provided by CAE will play a key role in modernising the training of RNZAF pilots under the IPTC program," said Air Vice-Marshal Peter Stockwell, RNZAF Chief of the Air Force,The CAE Simfinity VSIM is part of the comprehensive suite of CAE Simfinity training media that leverages full-fidelity simulation software to provide a fully integrated training solution. The CAE Simfinity VSIM, which can be used for either self-paced or instructor-led training, is ideal for familiarisation and procedural training because pilots can "learn by doing" prior to training sessions in a full-flight simulator or aircraft. Included with the CAE Simfinity VSIM training solution is the CAE Simfinity Flight Management System Trainer, which integrates complete flight management system (FMS) capabilities including navigation display rendering of routes and navigation aids."By using the CAE Simfinity VSIM, you can offload pilot training events to more cost-effective training devices, making more efficient use of the aircraft" said Peter Redman, Managing Director, CAE Australia Pty Ltd. "CAE is committed to supporting the Royal New Zealand Air Force's simulation and training needs, and looks forward to delivering this innovative solution for Beechcraft King Air 200 classroom training."(CAE)

MH-60R Seahawk cockpit for Royal Australian Navy (photo : Lockheed Martin)AVALON, Australia, — Lockheed Martin has completed the 400th Common Cockpit™ avionics suite for the U.S. Navy’s MH-60 Seahawk helicopter program. The digital cockpit will be installed aboard the first of 24 MH-60R (Romeo) anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare helicopters to be acquired by the Royal Australian Navy via the U.S. Government’s Foreign Military Sales program.“The Common Cockpit avionics suite has proved to be a highly effective flight and mission systems hub during more than 600,000 flight hours aboard the U.S. Navy’s fleet of 360 MH-60R and MH-60S helicopters built and delivered to date,” said Capt. James Glass, program manager for H-60 Multi-Mission Helicopters. “A digital, all glass cockpit that’s common to both platforms and operationally proven will enable critical interoperability between MH-60 aircraft operated by both the Australian and U.S. navies.”Australia is the first international customer to buy the U.S. Navy’s MH-60R multi-mission helicopter, which became operational in January 2006. The U.S. Navy is expected to take delivery of the first mission-ready MH-60R helicopter in December 2013 for transfer to the Royal Australian Navy in early 2014. All 24 Australian aircraft are to be delivered by mid 2016.“The MH-60R is a proven capability with the Common Cockpit at its core,” said Capt Scott Lockey, who is the Project Director for the Australian MH-60R program. “The Australian acquisition of 24 multi-mission Romeo helicopters means that we will have the capacity to provide at least eight warships with a combat helicopter at the same time, and we can rely on the Common Cockpit to successfully network and communicate with our fleet.”The Common Cockpit avionics suite features four large, flat-panel, multi-function, night-vision-compatible, color displays. The suite processes and manages communications and sensor data streaming into MH-60 multi-mission helicopters, presenting to the crew of three actionable information that significantly reduces workload while increasing situational awareness.Stratford, Connecticut-based Sikorsky builds the MH-60R and MH-60S aircraft. Lockheed Martin Mission Systems & Training in Owego, N.Y. delivered the first MH-60 Common Cockpit avionics suite in 2002 when U.S. Navy MH-60S helicopters became operational.(Lockheed Martin)

25 Februari 2013

USS Freedom with new paint scheme (all photos : Lockheed Martin)FORT MEADE, Md. (NNS) -- During a media availability Feb. 21, Navy officials announced the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) is on track to begin its first deployment March 1.This milestone was announced by the LCS Council, a group established by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert Aug. 22, to oversee continued fleet testing and the introduction of the LCS."Addressing challenges identified by these studies, on the timeline we require, necessitates the establishment of an empowered council to drive the action across acquisition, requirements and fleet enterprises of the Navy," said Greenert.

The output of the council is intended to assist in maximizing the expansive potential capabilities of LCS and its associated mission packages in global fleet operations for the joint warfighter.

"I am confident we are on a path of success for LCS," said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus. "This council will continue to unify our efforts to implement operational lessons learned from our research and development ships to further ensure successful fleet integration." LCS ships are designed to employ mission packages that address capability gaps in the areas of surface warfare, mine countermeasures, and anti-submarine warfare. Due to its modular design, each LCS ship can be reconfigured to perform one of those three distinct missions in a short period of time.Freedom's deployment will demonstrate her operational capabilities, and allow the LCS Council to evaluate crew rotation and maintenance plans. The ship will operate forward from Singapore and spend eight months in theater conducting maritime security operations, participate in international exhibitions and exercises to highlight U.S. strategic intent in the region, and reassure U.S. partners through bilateral and multilateral interoperability.(US Navy)

22 Februari 2013

Maestrale class frigates (photo : Militaryphotos)MANILA, (PNA) -- A ranking Department of National Defense (DND) official has said the option to acquire second-hand frigates to boost the numbers and capabilities of the Philippine Navy (PN) has been waived.Fernando Manalo, DND undersecretary for finance, munitions,installation and materiel, said this because evaluation studies found out that acquiring these vessels will be more costly in the long run."The PN found out that it will be more expensive to maintain second hand vessel(s) than buying a new one," he added.With this conclusion, the Italian-made "Maestrale" frigates, are no longer in the running for possible acquisition by the Philippines."Its no longer being evaluated," Manalo stressed.The "Maestrale" was earlier touted by the DND as the next ships to be acquired for the PN due to its credible missile and anti-submarine capabilities.With this development, Manalo said the Philippines is now looking for new build naval ships with the same configuration.The DND earlier said that five countries have expressed their intention to sell the Philippines modern frigates and offshore patrol vessels which will help the country protect its vast maritime territories.These offers came from the United States, Israel, Croatia, South Korea and Australia.All vessels being offered by these nations are brand new.Manalo added that offers of the above-mentioned countries started coming during the last quarter of 2012.The DND official attributed the sudden influx of would-be-suppliers to the fact the Philippine is now seriously upgrading its military forces.The Philippines is in the market for two modern and powerful frigates in order to enhance its maritime domain awareness and protection capabilities.

In the morning of 18/2, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and the delegation of the Government to visit and work in Binh Thuan Province. Soon after, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung to inspect 681 Naval Unit, stationed at Tien, Phan Thiet.At 681 Naval Unit, Prime Minister examine the combat operations and combat readiness of the units and talk to the officers and soldiers of the Union.

681 Naval Unit is equipped with the missile defense system the world's leading modern coastal Bastion-P produced by Russia. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung observed missile system to protect the sea.Prime Minister asked the officials and soldiers of the 681 team continues to perform the first task is to make good the training, uphold the spirit of vigilance, ready to fight and win, not to be unexpected before any situation.

Coastal defense missile system Bastion-P is designed to destroy any target on the sea (including the carrier). In the photo is the car tubes (2 missile rounds) of the system Bastion-P. According to the Russian design a system that includes 4 launch vehicle.

Royal Singapore Navy S-70B ASW helicopter (photo : Sing Mindef)Singapore has signed a contract for two additional Sikorsky S-70B seaborne helicopters, with the rotocraft due for delivery in 2016.The new aircraft will have a "different weapons kit" to the Republic of Singapore Navy's existing fleet of six S-70Bs, says an industry source, who declines to provide exact details about how they will be equipped.Singapore's existing S-70Bs, which were inaugurated into service in January 2011, are optimised for anti-submarine warfare duties, with an L-3 long-range active sonar and torpedoes.

According to Sikorsky's website, the S-70B can be configured for several other missions, including anti-surface warfare (ASuW), search and rescue, medical evacuation and vertical replenishment.In the ASuW role, the type can be armed with up to eight Lockheed Martin AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, as well as machine guns and cannons.Although Singapore's S-70Bs operate from the nation's six Formidable-class frigates, they are flown and maintained by air force personnel.(FlightGlobal)

20 Februari 2013

The new visual system offers significantly increased visual fidelity, including better colour, sharper imagery and improved brightness (image : CAE)CAE Australia today announced that it has completed a comprehensive visual system upgrade for the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) C-130J full-flight and mission simulator (FFMS) located at RAAF Base Richmond.The simulator re-entered service ahead of schedule last month following minimal downtime and is now providing the RAAF with an enhanced and more realistic virtual environment to conduct flight and mission training. The simulator is used in conjunction with training on real aircraft, providing a near seamless transition for students throughout their conversion to the C-130J Hercules.

"The new visual system offers significantly increased visual fidelity, including better colour, sharper imagery and improved brightness," said Squadron Leader Scott van Ginkel, C-130J Training Flight Commander for the RAAF's No. 285 Squadron. "We conduct as much training as possible in simulation, because it is safe and cost-effective, and the C-130J simulator is our primary training aid for accomplishing this objective. The visual upgrade has delivered the improved realism required for military flying training, particularly low-level tactical operations and night vision goggles, so the RAAF now has a simulator that delivers enhanced operational mission training."RAAF Commander Air Lift Group, Air Commodore Gary Martin, said that it was imperative for the Australian Defence Force to have the best quality of graduates from its six-month C-130J conversion course."There's a tremendous responsibility placed on our C-130J crews, who must be called upon to respond to short-notice and highly-complex tasks in Australia and abroad," Air Commodore Martin said. "We therefore need the best possible training available to take an ab initio pilot and turn them in to a skilled C-130J operator."The RAAF C-130J FFMS was upgraded with the latest generation CAE Medallion-6000 image generator as well as Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) high-resolution projectors and displays. In addition, the RAAF C-130J FFMS now incorporates the CAE-developed common database (CDB) technology, which is an open database architecture that is rapidly updateable and enables correlated distributed mission training.

"CAE Australia has a long-standing relationship with the Australian Defence Forces and we are committed to the in-service support of the simulators and training devices that play such a key role in training ADF aircrews," said Peter Redman, Managing Director of CAE Australia. "Global defence forces, including here in Australia, understand the cost benefits of simulation-based training, and upgrades such as this visual upgrade to the RAAF C-130J simulator deliver excellent value and enhanced training capabilities."(CAE/ASDNews)

A smaller variant of the 290-km range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is being developed for arming IAF's fighter aircraft (photo : defence.pk)NEW DELHI: A smaller variant of the 290-km range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is being developed for arming IAF's fighter aircraft. A new version of the missile is to be fitted on the frontline aircraft of Air Force including Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000 and the future inductions such as the 126 multirole combat aircraft, BrahMos officials said today. For the first time, the Indo-Russian joint venture showcased the model of the new missile at the 15th anniversary celebrations of the tie-up between the two countries. "Dr A S Pillai (of the venture) has assured us that BrahMos will be developing a miniaturised version of the missile for our other aircraft and the future inductions," IAF chief Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne said. BrahMos officials said the range of the missile would be 290-kms and it would be smaller by around three metres as compared to the present missile. At the moment, IAF and BrahMos are working on a Rs 6,000 crore project for integrating an air-launched BrahMos on the SU-30 MKI aircraft to allow the warplane to carry one missile under its belly. After the new missile is developed, the SU-30MKI would be able to carry three missiles while other combat jets of the IAF would be able to carry one each, they said. BrahMos Aerospace is also planning to carry out the underwater testfiring of the missile in near future which is expected to pave way for its induction into the Indian submarine arm.

MADGE system for RMAF (photo : ThalesRaytheon)FULLERTON, Calif. – ThalesRaytheonSystems today announced full system acceptance has been finalized with the Royal Malaysian Air Force for the Malaysian Air Defense Ground Environment Sector Operations Center III (MADGE) Program. ThalesRaytheonSystems provided the Malaysian Ministry of Defence an enhanced national command and control system.“The C2 system we’ve executed in Malaysia represents technological integration at its best,” said Kim Kerry, CEO of U.S. Operations for ThalesRaytheonSystems. “We worked with our Malaysian customers to integrate their legacy system and have augmented it with proven technologies, such as the Sentry® command and control system and the Ground Master 400 (GM 400) radar. The result is a system that reliably and effectively meets their requirements.”The MADGE system operates in real-time and features multi-radar tracking and a flexible human-machine interface. The GM 400 radar will provide additional long-range surveillance capabilities for the Royal Malaysian Air Force.ThalesRaytheonSystems has more installed command and control systems operating around the world than any other organization. The Sentry command and control system is a proven, comprehensive, real-time system that powers national air sovereignty systems around the world, including the NORAD Battle Control System. The company is also a world leader in battlefield and weapon-locating radar systems. The company’s radar capabilities span short-, medium-, and long-range systems. The ground-based radars are capable of detecting both conventional and unconventional threats for homeland and tactical air defense, counter-battery, and weapons system coordination.(ThalesRaytheon)

F-16C Blue Agressor squadron (photo : charles.agnew55)The United States Air Force (USAF) F-16 jets returned to RAAF Base Williamtown on Sunday the 17th of February to participate in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Fighter Combat Instructors course (FCI).The Commander of Air Combat Group, Air Commodore (AIRCDRE) Tony Grady, explained that the five-month FCI course takes RAAF’s best fast jet pilots, Air Combat Officers and Weapon Systems Officers and develops their skills in air combat tactics.“To be a Fighter Combat Instructor, you need to have attained the highest level of leadership as a fighter pilot to even qualify for this course, so the training is very highly regarded,” AIRCDRE Grady said.The USAF F-16 Viper Squadron, are some of the best pilots in the world and assisted with the last FCI Course in 2011. Their participation in this course offers the opportunity for our aircrew to train with the world’s best.“The culmination of the course will be conducted from RAAF Base Darwin and RAAF Base Tindal for Exercise Aces North,” AIRCDRE Grady said.RAAF F/A-18A/B Hornets and F/A-18F Super Hornets will also be supported by the E-7A Wedgetail and the KC-30 Multi-Role Tanker Transport.USAF F-16 visits will follow RAAF Base Williamtown procedures to reduce noise impacts for the Port Stephens community, and the majority of fast jet flying will be conducted in over water areas east of RAAF Base Williamtown.(RAAF)

19 Februari 2013

Cockerill XC-8 turret mounted on the Doosan K21 IFV chassis (photo : CMI Defence)Demand for Medium Tanks is increasing. At IDEX 2013 CMI Defence and Doosan DST present a new 120/105mm Medium Tank concept. The system integrates the Cockerill XC-8 turret and the Doosan K21 IFV chassis. With a system weight of some 25 tonnes, the concept offers advanced 120mm or 105mm firepower with high operational flexibility and tactical mobility.The Cockerill XC-8 is a low-weight concept-turret that recognises divergent market requirements; specifically for the broad operational flexibility demanded by the medium-tank requirement, and for the narrower, more specialised anti-armour requirement. Thus one of two low-recoil force guns may be fitted in the XC-8. * The Cockerill 105mm high pressure gun provides commanders with a wide choice of ammunition to suit the tactical situation; it fires all NATO-standard 105mm types and the Cockerill Falarick 105 Gun Launched Anti Tank Guided Missile (GLATGM). Elevating to +42° this weapon delivers exceptional engagement capability in complex terrain, an indirect-fire HE capability to 10km range, and the GLATGM permits heavy armour to be enagaged at extended ranges. * The Cockerill 120mm high pressure gun provides a strengthened anti-armour capability. This weapon fires all NATO-standard 120mm smoothbore ammunition and the Cockerill Falarick 120 GLATGM, which permits the effective engagement and penetration of heavy armour to beyond 5km range.

The system weight of some 25 tonnes (photo : Army Recognition)Both guns are employed using a common high performance, digital, fully-stabilised, day/night weapon control system. Turret weight is kept low through the use of a bustle-mounted autoloader, which permits a two-person crew. The Cockerill XC-8 concept-turret draws on the proven modular technology of the Cockerill CT-CV 105HP turret and may be realised at low risk. The Doosan K21 IFV chassis represents the latest-generation of vehicle technology. In service with the Republic of Korea, the K21 offers outstanding tactical mobility through the use of hydro-pneumatic suspension, a 750HP powerpack and advanced running-gear design. Tactical mobility and flexibility is further enhanced by the vehicle’s ability to swim without assistance at full combat weight. A high-capacity digital data-infrastructure permits the functional integration of the Driver with the turret crew by using shared imagery and control. The same architecture permits straightforward through-life upgrade and low obsolesence risk.

The combination of the Cockerill XC-8 concept-turret with the Doosan K21 chassis promises a significant advance in terms of medium-weight direct-fire capability. The combination of highly effective and flexible lethality options with outstanding strategic and tactical mobility, opens up a new range of operational possibilities.(CMI Defence)

PF-15 BRP Gregorio del Pilar (photo : ed sy)MANILA, Philippines --- A Department of National Defense (DND) official revealed that a committee is now studying the possibility of arming the Philippine Navy’s (PN) two Hamilton-class cutters with anti-ship missiles.However, the official refused to disclose the type of anti-ship missiles currently being evaluated by the committee, but he said that once installed, this will give the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15) and soon to arrive BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) more capability in protecting the country's maritime domain.He added, having the anti-missiles will also give BRP Del Pilar and BRP Alcaraz more firepower in engaging would-be poachers and intruders.Earlier, defense officials identified the Harpoon as the ideal missile system for the PN's Hamilton-class cutters noting that the weapon was already deployed aboard the USCGC Mellon, the sister ship of the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz, in January 1990.While the ship's anti-submarine warfare (ASW) suite and Harpoon capability were removed in the latter part of the 1990s, this served as a proof of capability for all USCG cutters.The Harpoon is an all-weather, over-the-horizon, anti-ship missile system, developed and manufactured by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing Defense, Space & Security).The regular Harpoon uses active radar homing, and a low-level, sea-skimming cruise trajectory to improve survivability and lethality. The missile's launch platforms include: Fixed-wing aircraft (the AGM-84, without the solid-fuel rocket booster); Surface ships (the RGM-84, fitted with a solid-fuel rocket booster that detaches when expended, to allow the missile's main turbojet to maintain flight); Submarines (the UGM-84, fitted with a solid-fuel rocket booster and encapsulated in a container to enable submerged launch through a torpedo tube); and Coastal defense batteries, from which it would be fired with a solid-fuel rocket booster.In 2004, Boeing delivered the 7,000th Harpoon unit since the weapon's introduction in 1977. The missile system has also been further developed into a land-strike weapon, the standoff land attack missile.The regular Harpoon uses active radar homing, and a low-level, sea-skimming cruise trajectory to improve survivability and lethality. The missile’s launch platforms include:* Fixed-wing aircraft (the AGM-84, without the solid-fuel rocket booster).* Surface ships (the RGM-84, fitted with a solid-fuel rocket booster that detaches when expended, to allow the missile's main turbojet to maintain flight).* Submarines (the UGM-84, fitted with a solid-fuel rocket booster and encapsulated in a container to enable submerged launch through a torpedo tube).* Coastal defense batteries, from which it would be fired with a solid-fuel rocket booster. (Manila Bulletin)

18 Februari 2013

The Soryu class submarine has an overall length of 84m, beam of 9.1m and depth of 10.3m. It has a surfaced displacement of 2,950t and submerged displacement of 4,200t. The Soryu class submarines are armed with six 533-mm torpedo tubes for the Type 89 torpedoes and UGM-84 Harpoon missiles. The UGM-84 Harpoon has a range of over 124km and speed of 864km/h. The submarine is equipped with Stirling engines for increased propulsion performance and underwater endurance. (photo : Military Today)

Today the Nikkei featured an article (日) that raised once again the possibility of Japan transferring the technology underpinning the prized Soryu submarine to Australia. The article did not offer much additional detail about how the process from here is likely to unfold, although it did frame the technology transfer as part of a supposedly mutual desire to balance against Chinese naval activities. It nevertheless suggests that defense officials are still considering the plan and that the chances are good that something will come out of the process notwithstanding any domestic or international backlash. The main issue for the Japanese side likely revolves what level of information and access to provide to the Royal Australian Navy.

As for the back story, the process appeared to be initiated in May 2012 when a senior Australian official inspected the Soryu at the MSDF’s Kure Base in Hiroshima Prefecture. Then in June 2012 the issue was further discussed during a visit to Australia by Admiral Masahiko Sugimoto. Soon after that in July 2012 Rear-Admiral Rowan Moffitt, head of the Future Submarine Program, and Dr Alexander Zelinsky, the Chief Defense Scientist, traveled to Japan to further inspect the Soryu. Then in September 2012 Defense Minister Stephen Smith confirmed that Australia was indeed considering at least the submarine’s propulsion systems as part of a technology deal.

All things being equal it would seem like this deal is likely to be done as it offers strategic benefits for both sides. However, both sides may still need to be somewhat flexible as the two sides have bottom lines that may stand in the way of deep collaboration. First, the Australian side will demand that the subs be built in Australia to enhance Australia’s shipbuilding industry centred on Adelaide, as well as to keep Australian tax dollars and jobs onshore. While Japan in December 2011 relaxed its arms export restrictions, which has allowed this deal to be considered in the first place, these restrictions were however ostensibly relaxed to allow Japanese defense manufacturers to engage in the joint development of sophisticated weapons systems with other partners. A simple one-way transfer of technology was not necessarily envisaged, and in any respect, the technology that gave birth to the Soryu has been nurtured over the last 30 to 40 years in Japan and the Japanese government, MHI, and Kawasaki are not likely to let go of the full suite of technologies and design specifications without considerable benefits being extracted in return. If Japan was unable to extract any offsets from the transfer of the technology then it might get cold feet at the last minute and back out of the deal. More likely is that the two sides might only come to an agreement on a partial transfer, perhaps of AIP system technologies only. This would still be a big deal nevertheless, especially coming on the back of similar hardware-related collaborative developments in the UK-Japan defense relationship, and with something similar with India surely not being too far away.